so that I may forgive
him?”(Sahih Muslim)
Now the question is how
to go about getting up for
tahajjud? Like you plan for
any important events of
your life, tahajjud preps
must be done before-hand
as well.
As you read this,
don’t depend on your
capabilities. Always depend on His mercy and
don’t have a self-defeated attitude.
Have a strong conviction in the mercy of Allah
and His forgiveness.
Tips to wake up for tahajjud
1. Avoid sin – Any sin earns the displeasure of
Allah so it is an absolute must to avoid all
sins.
A man said to Ibraaheem ibn Adam v, “I
cannot pray tahajjud (late night prayer), so tell
me the cure for is.” He said, “Do not commit sins
during the day, and He will help you to stand
before Him at night, for your standing before
Him at night is one of the greatest honours, and
the sinner does not deserve that honour.”
2. Go to sleep early and make sure to recite
certain surahs before sleeping such as Surah Mulk,
Surah Nas, Surah Falaq ,Surah Ikhlaas and the
Ayat ul Kursi . This will protect you from
Shayateen (satans) whilst you sleep.
3. Do not sleep in the state of ritual impurity.
part of the evening.
5. Try to stay in wudu (ablution) throughout
your day and at the time of going to sleep.
6. Try to fulfil the sunnah of Qailullah (mid day
nap), maybe for twenty minutes or so.
7. Dua – Beg Allah to be invited in this special
time. In reality, only those whom He permits are
able to get up and perform this prayer.
8. Do lots of istigfaar (forgiveness) and reflect on
your sins and cry to Allah for forgiveness of
them. Have conviction that Allah will indeed
forgive your sins, as long as you are sincere in
repenting and resolve not to repeat them.
Insha’Allah by following the advice above will
develop that yearning in the heart, and the
hope is that Allah will grant us the ability
to perform tahajjud. In the beginning, if you are
struggling to get up, then also get in the habit of
praying a couple of rakats with the intention of
tahajjud after Isha (night prayer). Even if you
were not able to get up at pre dawn time, you will
insha’Allah get some reward for having prayed
after Isha.
4. Try to eat light foods for dinner in the early
75 NISBAH